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Checks, Captures, Threats

Part of the Playing Real Games section of Coddy's Chess journey. Lesson 2 of 40.

Strong players do not stare at the board hoping. They run a list: every check, every capture, every threat - in that order, for both sides, every move. Checks first because a check must be answered; captures next because material decides games; threats last. The scan takes ten seconds and finds most of what there is.

Try it yourselfBeginner
Position 1 of 7
WatchThe scan starts with checks. Watch what the first line finds.
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The starting position.
0 / 4
All 7 positions

All lessons in Playing Real Games